Category Archives: Dating Advice

Maybe you were one of those high schoolers who pleaded with Mom & Dad to let you go off to the “big” school at KU, promising you’d “be safe.” Or, maybe you were so determined to go, you decided to get tons of scholarships and an early admittance letter just so they would say “YES.” There are many reasons why going off to a large college is great for a teenager. However, there are also equally as many reasons why your parents can hardly sleep at night once you go away to the big school. And if you’re a young female – their main concern is that you stay safe.

Make sure the waiter is the one who brings the drinks to your table on a first date.

How to Stay Safe on a Date

Of course you’ll be safe. The guy came up to you, started flirting at the bar, and you could tell by the look in his eyes that he was to be trusted. And so the story goes. And in many cases, yes, this is true. And that’s why many KU alumni are happily married and have their own families. However, there ARE some cases where that’s not always how it plays out. And to make sure you end up with your happily ever after, here are a few things we’d advise you on in regards to dating in college and being asked out by complete strangers.

1. Always Let Someone Know Where you Are And Who You’re With

First rule of thumb when it comes to dating guys you meet – who you’ve never met before – always, always, always let someone know where you are. These days, technology helps us along so it doesn’t have to be an excuse to leave the dinner table and call. Send a text to at least one trusted girlfriend, and let her know where you are at. If you can, make sure she also knows who you are with and his phone number. You don’t have to “call in” like you did as a teenager, but be smart and don’t go off alone with strangers without anyone knowing your whereabouts.

2. Keep an Eye on your Drink at All Times

Not to be pessimists here, but date rape drugs are real. We test for them a lot. If you’re just getting to know someone, make sure you know where the drinks came from. If you want to accept his offer to buy your drink, just make sure the waiter is the one who brings it directly to the table. Or if you’re at a bar, go up to the bar to get the drink. Keep your hands on your cup at all times throughout the night.

3. Carry some Safety Essentials

Have the “basics” on you in the event you need help throughout the night and get in a bad situation. Always have your cell phone on you. Also, it’s not a bad idea to carry pepper spray so that you can get out of a bad situation if it comes up.

4. Stay in a Public Place

Now we get the whole “he’s the one” thing and the romanticism of realizing that on the first date. However – reality check – it’s the first date. And if you’ve never met the guy, protect yourself and stay in a public place. Too many tragic stories have come from girls going up to the apartment, or guys coming over, only to end in regrets and sometimes worse.

5. Remember Your Sex Ed Classes

We want to be realistic and know that there are many occasions where perfect strangers end the night well … knowing each other much better. And what we want to say to that is to make sure to be safe if you choose to become intimate with your date. We don’t highly recommend going home with someone you’ve just met. However, if this situation does occur, take the smart steps to play it safe. Use condoms – this won’t only help prevent pregnancy – but STDs as well. Make sure you exchange names and numbers – “one-night-stands” aren’t as fun as they seem. And never forget point #1 – make sure someone knows where you are.